The Scottish Cup Preliminary Round Tie between Haddington Athletic West of Scotland Champions Darvel, attracted another big crowd to Millfield last Saturday. Conditions were perfect for this much anticipated tie but once again manager Scott Bonar was without several key players through injury. Opponents Darvel fielded a strong side including no fewer than six players who had featured in the Scottish Premiership. The Hi Hi’s made the perfect start and a great shot from Ross King found the net via the underside of the bar in the opening minutes. Haddington looked solid in defence as Darvel tried to hit back and there was another close call at the visitors end when Hill came close. The game swung on a controversial refereeing decision on the half hour mark. Home ‘keeper Cornet came out of his area to challenge for a through ball – he appeared to get his head to the ball before colliding with a Darvel forward. The referee took a different view and quickly produced a red card. The home side sent on goalkeeper McLellan and withdrew Brodie McKenzie. The home side held onto their narrow lead at half time but Darvel were fully expected to make their extra man count in the second half and so it transpired. A quickfire double in the first ten minutes saw them turn the tie around and they added another to give them a two goal cushion. The home side battled hard but Darvel’s extra man told in the second forty five minutes.
Haddington turn their attention back to Premier League matters tonight, Wednesday 31st August, when Tynecastle visit Millfield for what should be a tight ninety minutes. The capital side beat Musselburgh at Olive Bank recently and the Hi Hi’s are quickly finding out that there are no ‘gimmes’ at this level. With a lengthy injury list which shows no signs of reducing quickly, manager Bonar may give a nod to the players who fought hard on Saturday. The match kicks off at 7.30pm.
